The
persistent area of low pressure that has hung off the southeast coast
for more than a week is finally drifting away to the northeast, and
conditions on the Outer Banks are improving this morning.

Highway 12 on Ocracoke opened about 8:30 a.m., and the
Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry began running about the same time.

Highway 12 on Hatteras is open -- and has been throughout the stormy
week. There was ocean overwash in north Buxton at last night's
and this morning's high tides, and some sand and standing rainwater
remain on the road, in places, especially south of the Bonner Bridge
and in some of the villages.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation advises that drivers
should proceed with caution and avoid driving through standing water if
possible. NCDOT maintenance crews will work throughout the day to clear
the road south of the Bonner Bridge.

Updates will be posted on the NCDOT N.C. 12 Facebook page as they are
received.
Travelers who plan to take the ferry are advised to call the
appropriate terminal ahead of time to make sure that their run has not
been delayed or cancelled. The telephone number for the
Hatteras-Ocracoke ferries is 252 986-2353. For the Ocracoke-Swan
Quarter and Ocracoke-Cedar Island ferries, you can call 252
928-1665.

For a change, most of the standing water on
Hatteras and Ocracoke roadways is from rain, not ocean overwash, but be
aware that even the rain puddles are salty on the islands. Slow down
when traveling through water on the roadway. If there is water in one
lane, you will find drivers are taking turns letting vehicles pass in
the drier lane.

On Hatteras Island in Frisco, 7.28 inches of rain
has been measured since Thursday. Some areas have seen even
heavier rainfall.

The heavy rain has ceased for a time on Hatteras
this morning, but the National Weather Service continues to forecast an
80 percent chance of more showers today and 70 percent tonight.

The coastal flood advisory and heavy surf
advisory remain in effect until 8 a.m. Monday north of Cape Hatteras.
And the Weather Service warns swimmers that the large breaking waves
and a continued high threat of rip currents will continue into tomorrow.

The National Park Service urges caution on all
seashore beaches and has closed some ramps because of higher than
normal tides and beach erosion.

Wave heights of 11 to 14 feet are forecast today
north of Cape Hatteras and 7 to 10 feet to the south of the cape.

The weather should improve on Monday with partly
cloudy skies, a high of 82, winds from the east at 10 to 15 mph, and
only a 20 percent chance of a shower.